United States President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on tech billionaire Elon Musk on Tuesday, criticizing the entrepreneur’s reliance on government subsidies just as Musk renewed his opposition to Trump’s proposed $4.5 trillion spending package.
“Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far,” Trump posted on social media. “And without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
The barb came after Musk, who served as head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency before resigning in late May, launched fresh criticism of the president’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The sweeping legislation would extend Trump-era tax cuts while bolstering border security but has drawn fire for potentially stripping healthcare from low-income Americans and adding $3 trillion to the national debt.
Trump suggested retaliatory action against Musk’s businesses: “No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”
As congressional voting began Monday, Musk – the world’s wealthiest individual – accused Republicans of enabling “debt slavery.” He continued his critique Tuesday, posting: “All I’m asking is that we don’t bankrupt America. What’s the point of a debt ceiling if we keep raising it?”
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has pledged to form a new political party, citing public demand: “VOX POPULI VOX DEI 80% voted for a new party.” His stance has divided GOP lawmakers already wrestling with midterm election concerns over the controversial bill.
The public feud marks the latest chapter in the deteriorating relationship between the two influential figures, whose alliance soured after Musk’s DOGE resignation and subsequent criticism of Trump’s fiscal policies.
